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Product is Vegan, but the Company is Non-Vegan

Product is Vegan, but the Company is Non-Vegan

Question:I really have a problem with a product being vegan when the company is not. Honestly, my family doesn't have lots of money, so I eat whatever is cheap and vegan. But there is problem I'm fighting with- many of those companies from which I buy food produce other things that contain eggs or milk. I know that money given for food I buy goes for the whole company, so I can say that I am indirectly supporting those factories. I'm feeling bad for this, but I really don't have any idea what to do. Any advice, please?

Answer:You've reached a point in the theory of veganism that many of us reach. Quite often vegan products or vegan brands are actually owned by very non-vegan companies. So the question becomes, do we shun that product because of the larger company?

Some people decide to avoid those foods, and others come to terms with the fact that it's nearly impossible to be perfect in your food choices, and they live with that. Ultimately, you have to do what you can live with, and eat the way you feel is most correct.

The food industry is so far from great right now that we often come face-to-face with this type of decision. I sometimes find myself asking the question, "Well, what CAN I eat that supports my ideals?" Then, I start to realize that the only way I can truly follow my exact ideals is by growing ALL of my own food (down to the grains) or buying only from farms where I know everything about their practices. Most of us simply don't have the resources to go that far right now.

What I recommend for you is that you find some type of stopping point, beyond which you won't allow yourself to worry. We can't expect perfection out of ourselves, and especially when we have limited financial resources, we have to give ourselves some slack. Perhaps in the future you can change your mind about which companies you want to support in any capacity. You just have to eat according to your beliefs; that's the best you can do.

Comments for Product is Vegan, but the Company is Non-Vegan

I struggle with this too & I agree with the above comment. However, I also am slightly concerned that if a company like Tyson started making vegan options, they'd somehow screw it up ya know. I mean Tyson is dirty dirty dirty & are looking only to make food as cheaply as possible with the highest profit. I fear that they'd put a vegan tag on their food but pay off the officials & not really be truly vegan. Like the answer to this question said, you have to draw the line somewhere & do the best you can do. I'd love to grow my own food someday b/c that really is the only way to eat exactly the way you want.

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Follow your conviction but give newcomers a chanceby: Belsandia

Both - the question and answer hit the target of a concern that many vegans have, and there will be just as many answers as there are interpretations of a humane diet.

I personally will always support and reward companies that are entirely vegan and green, as this is the ideal situation.

On the other side however, we need to find a way to give mainstream food producers a segway into becoming humane companies. In my opinion this is only possible by showing them avenues into plant-based profit markets. In other words: if a big meat producer like Tyson starts producing and selling tofu products, and they see that they can make money with it - isn't that a great start towards a conversion away from animal food?

I know this is worth an in-depth discussion, but I believe that we will not overcome our carnistic society where animals are exploited for food, etc., if we don't give food producers an opportunity to change their ways gradually, without losing their livelihood. Only then will they stop rejecting legislative changes to animal rights protection. My idealistic hope is that these companies will see a benefit in investing into i.e. in-vitro meat and plant-based nutrition. Food companies will need to follow the public's demands to stay in business, and if dairy-free products become profitable for them, it would be better for all of us, instead of them trying to mislead us with labels of "humane farming methods".

If non-animal products have a greater chance to become mainstream and more affordable this way - why not! That also means a broader public will embrace them. In this regard I am trying to focus on the greater goal towards broader acceptance of vegetarianism, and put aside my qualms where possible.

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Want to meet the Vegan Nutritionista? It’s me, Cathleen Woods!

I have found my true passion in helping people to learn about a plant-based diet. I always wanted to do something with a true impact on society. I feel that I can help people not only to become healthier, but to help them reduce their responsibility for the destruction of the environment and the economy, and increase their compassion for other beings...

Disclaimer: Everything in this website is based upon information collected by Cathleen Woods, from a variety of sources. It is my opinion and is not intended as medical advice.It is recommended that you consult with a qualified health care professional before making a diet change.